Swimmer's Loyalties Strongly Tied To Michigan State

Oct. 21, 1999

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Training at the home of Michigan State's archrival this past summer, Spartan swimmer John Munley sported his MSU apparel with pride. When he entered the University of Michigan weight room, however, he was promptly asked to change.

But even Michigan's strength coaches could not tamper with Munley's loyalty. Although he changed out of the green and white clothes, Munley remained definitely a Spartan.

"It's something I feel," said Munley, who is training with hopes of making the 2000 Olympic team. "You can't really take the Spartan out of me."

Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Mich., Munley's ties with MSU started long before he became a student. Munleys brother, Tom, was a former All-America swimmer for the Spartans from 1992-96.

Not highly recruited out of high school, Munley put his motivation into helping the team anywhere he can.

"We really feel that John wants MSU to be successful," head coach Richard Bader said. "He came here because one of his goals is to help this team move up to the top where weve been and he knows we can be back there again."

Munley hopes to lead the Spartans to the top with his dedication and persistent attitude. Hes a quiet leader who would rather prove his craft than think hes great or talk about his skill.

"There are a lot of people that just close their mouths, roll up their sleeves and go to work," Bader said. "That very much is their way of leading the team."

Munley proved himself with a first-place finish in the 100-meter freestyle at the Big Ten All-Stars meet last year.

Competing against the Auburn Tigers, known as the big sprint school for American swimming, Munley's only goal was to keep up with the elite group of swimmers.

Adding to the anticipation, Munley said the announcer went through each swimmers bio. "In Lane 4 is World Champion and former All-American Bill Pilczuk, Lane 5 Michigan State's John Munley and Lane 6 is the NCAA runner-up in the 100 free the previous year."

Munley knew the 100 free wasnt his strongest event, yet, he still competed and finished first without any credentials.

"It was definitely the high point of the weekend," Munley said.

And now Munley continues to grow as an athlete and competitor with a little help from the Spartan inside.

Bader said Munley has come a long way in a short time.

"One of our goals for John was that he would learn the growth of what its like to be an elite athlete that discipline, that role and the support he must give or take to help him get to the next level to benefit the team and his teammates," Bader said.

Munley knew what he had to do in order to learn that role. He had to find a place that would educate him on how elite athletes trained so he, too, could make the transition.

So Munley went to Ann Arbor to train with American record holders, world record holders and Olympic medalists.

"Michigan has a solid program," Bader, "but what is more important is that student athletes find the right place for them to be successful."

"Swimming is a lot different," said Munley of the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry. "I was the only MSU person in the Michigan pool, but everyone was very supportive."

As MSU's only representative, Munley had the opportunity to work with some of his top competitors from Eastern Michigan, Michigan and Michigan alumni.

"John had the opportunity to be educated on how those elite athletes train and how they think, and compare himself," Bader said. "Now he knows he has a lot of things that can make him better than some of those other swimmers.

Now Munley can use those skills to bring him one step closer to the ultimate competition in a swimmers career, the Olympics.

Munley made the Olympic Trial cuts earlier this summer in the 200-meter freestyle, and will have the chance to make the 2000 Olympic Team this August.

But for now, Munleys first concerns are training for the Big Ten season and the NCAA Championships. After MSU's season, he will take a week off and get ready for the Olympic Trials.

As for changes in training, you can expect to see Munley do what has worked for him this far.

"The 200 free is the same vent I have swam since I was 15, so it hasnt changed," Munley said. "Its just that everyone else gets faster and you get faster along with them."

By Courtney Welch
MSU Sports Information Student Assistant

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